Hampden triumph over Hearts could represent much more than a memorable first derby win for Hibs boss
Ex Scotland international explains why semi-final result and performance could prove to be a turning point for Marink Reedijk
Alan Hutton believes Hibs’ Premier Sports Cup semi-final win over Hearts could be a defining moment in Marink Reedijk's reign at Easter Road, insisting the performance can provide a benchmark for what his side can achieve.
The Dutch head coach had come under pressure following a difficult start to his tenure in Leith, with Hibs struggling to turn encouraging signs in their performances into positive results.
Hibs went into Sunday’s Edinburgh derby as underdogs after collecting only one point from their last four games, but their display against their biggest rivals offered an emphatic timely response, with the manner in which Reedijk’s side went about their business leaving Hutton convinced the performance demonstrated the quality and potential within the squad in addition to providing a much-needed confidence boost.
Discussing the significance of the result, Hutton told OLBG, who offer the best betting sites: “Marink Reedijk and Hibs were the best I've seen them at the weekend. In terms of confidence, it's big for Hibs. Since Reedijk went in, they struggled in the games prior to Sunday. But Sunday was the best I've seen them, I thought they were outstanding.”
The result has generated renewed optimism among supporters and was particularly important given the expectations surrounding the fixture. Hibs had been written off by many ahead of the contest, but answers any questions about their ability to get a result with an energetic and aggressive approach. They refused to sit back and allow Hearts to dictate proceedings.
And former Scotland international Hutton was impressed by the way Reedijk's players took the game to their opponents, admitting: “Everyone had written them off before they even walked onto the pitch, but everything they did in terms of midfield aggression, pressing, and creating chances against their biggest rivals on the front foot was top level, especially under so much pressure.”
Hearts win gives Reedijk a benchmark to build Hibs’ season around
Perhaps most importantly for Reedijk, the victory offers validation of the progress he has previously spoken about seeing behind the scenes. He had highlighted improvements in training and the development of his players in-game, despite results failing to reflect those positives.
Against Hearts, though, it was a different story as they booked a return trip to the national stadium on December 13. That could prove invaluable as Reedijk looks to establish his identity and build consistency.
Ex-Rangers, Aston Villa and Tottenham full-back Hutton believes the derby display must now become the standard expected of Hibs, rather than an isolated high point.
“That's the benchmark now,” he suggested. “Reedijk spoke about seeing progress in training and developing in games without getting the results, but now we've seen what they're capable of.”
That presents Reedijk with his next challenge. The psychological impact of beating their arch rivals should not be underestimated. The real measure will be seeing if Hibs can carry the same aggression, belief and attacking ambition into their upcoming league fixtures in the weeks ahead.
Hutton stressed the importance of maintaining those standards, with a trip to Pittodrie offering their next opportunity to show that Sunday's victory was more than just a derby-day high.
“The question is whether they can be consistently that good. It's over to them now to turn that performance into league form, starting away to Aberdeen next weekend.,” Hutton stated.